Nabilah S
Fiji’s renowned tourism and hospitality leader, The Rosie Travel Group, has made a groundbreaking move by acquiring Fiji’s first-ever fleet of electric tourist coaches.
The company’s Managing Director, Tony Whitton, shared that this milestone supports their ambitious goal of transitioning 50 percent of their transport fleet to electric by 2030.
Rosie Travel Group made history last year by being the first travel company in Fiji to offer a fleet of electric vehicles, providing international visitors with a zero-emission hotel transfer service.
Building on that achievement, the company is now taking another significant step by becoming the first in Fiji to invest in next-generation 53-seater electric coaches. The first two coaches are set for delivery in July 2025.
The agreement was signed in China, where the Group General Manager, Eroni Puamau, highlighted the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility.
Puamau stated that as a Fijian family-owned business, protecting and nurturing Fiji’s environment is a top priority. He also noted that the company’s transition to electric vehicles began three years ago, with extensive research and visits to electric vehicle manufacturers in China.
After a comprehensive evaluation, they chose Bonluck Bus and Coach Group, a part of the China Hi-Tech Group Corporation (CHTC), to manufacture and supply their new fleet of zero-emission electric coaches.
These coaches are equipped with cutting-edge battery-electric technology, offering fast charging capabilities, a 300-kilometre range, generous luggage space, and luxurious interiors designed to meet Australian standards.
Rosie Travel Group’s Managing Director, Tony Whitton, reinforced the company’s commitment to sustainability, stressing that the company provides transfer services to over 200,000 international visitors each year, significantly impacting Fiji’s carbon footprint.
He emphasized the need to explore more eco-friendly alternatives and expressed confidence that China’s advancements in electric vehicle technology, combined with Fiji’s potential for solar energy, are the perfect match. Whitton added that the investment in fast-charging solar panels will ensure that their electric vehicles and new coaches are fully powered by the Fijian sun.
In recognition of their efforts, the company has received two prestigious sustainability awards in the past six months: one from the Prime Minister of Fiji and another at the Fiji Excellence in Tourism Awards.
Together with Solar Hub Fiji, Rosie has also installed the country’s first-ever solar-powered fast-charging stations at its transport hub. These stations, which cost $0.6 million, generate 110 kilowatts of energy per hour through solar panels, underscoring the company’s dedication to clean, renewable energy solutions.
